I am amazed with the ease of Vazra‘s integration thus far.  There have been no significant fights, although there has been a bit of hissing and growling, not to mention a few swings here and there.  He will generally growl if someone sneaks up on him while he’s sleeping or trying to rest.  He has only hissed at Kako after she hissed at him.  Other than some swings at her in self-defense, he only initiated a few swings at Grendel because I’d already worked him into a fit by brushing him (he likes being brushed until I have to take his belly, chest, and the bottom of his hind legs by force).

I expected more from The Kids.  Not that I’m a glutton for punishment, you understand, or that I wish all manner of feline violence upon this household, but this is their territory and their home.  He’s the invader.  Yet there has not been a single prominent altercation since his arrival.

Still, I like to think my parenting skills are expert and robust enough to have instilled tolerance and respect in each of them, and therefore I am worthy of praise and adoration.

Of course, one need only look at Kako to understand how absurd that premise is.  She hits me if I point at her.  No, I’ve never abused her.  In fact, she’s always been Daddy’s Girl.  She just doesn’t put up with anyone’s bullshit.  And to her, any opinion contrary to hers is bullshit, so you see where we go from there.

Despite her claim to divinity, and irrespective of the presence of four cats prior to his capture and adoption, Vaza is just an easy-going, laid-back kind of cat.  That helps tremendously.  But it doesn’t solve all of the problems.

The Kids are comfortable, confident, and collusive.  They are the master predators in this home.  They know it.  Remarkably, they are so comfortable in their supremacy that they have been suspiciously receptive to the introduction of another adult feline.  A kitten would be a different story, but an adult?

And yet here we are.  Vazra has not been isolated since his original food and water restriction overnight when he got home.  Aside from that, he has been free to do as he pleases.  This has not disrupted sleep (any more than he already did, mind you, but not for the rest of The Kids).  It has not altered how anyone acts.  Treats have not been suspended.  Lap and shoulder time have not disappeared.  Where we sit, rest, and sleep has not changed.  Play has not been altered.  Kisses are still kisses.  Snuggles under the covers are still a part of most sleep periods.  Life goes on.  It’s amazing.

Jenny mentioned recently she’d like me to manage any future cat integrations she required.  The thought scared me to death.  I had tremendous fear about Vazra’s arrival.  For the entire time I worked on capturing him, I cringed at the thought of bringing him inside and dealing with the perpetual aftermath.  Adult cats are set in their ways, and all cats like structure and predictability.  What in the world caused this group to be so accepting of a new member from the very first day they met him?

This is unnatural.  I couldn’t appreciate it more.

Oh, and he already has a favorite sleeping spot when he’s not with me on the couch or floor, in the bed, or at the desk.